Keys, Robert Gerald

Robert Gerald Keys - age: 76
(May 04, 1943 to October 28, 2019 )
Resident of Redwood Valley, California

Obituary:
Robert Gerald Keys – age: 76
May 04, 1943 – October 28, 2019
Resident of Redwood Valley, California

An ultimate contender in the game of life, Bob “Bobby” Keys, 76, a longtime resident of Redwood Valley, California, passed away on October 28, 2019.

Bob was born May 4th, 1943, in Santa Rosa, CA to Cowena Owens Keys and James Keys. Bob attended and graduated in 1961 from Ukiah High School. He loved and supported Redwood Valley. The community enjoyed his sound system for the Black Bart Parade for the past 25 years as well as many other Redwood Valley events. Bob was such an incredible man, compassionate and helped so many over the years. Bob’s band, formed 40 plus years ago, was The Country Notes Band, a legend in Mendocino & surrounding counties. He loved his music and his collection of guitars.

Bob worked for Masonite for 30 years in a manager position. He was a dedicated employee. After retirement from Masonite, Bob went to Australia for a year and Chile for six months as a Fiberboard Consultant for a wood products company. Bob was a man who never wanted to be idle and everything he did, he did with utmost perfection. Settling into retirement didn’t fit Bob and his friends at Vic’s Place said he would make a wonderful bartender. And that he did! Bob worked for Vic’s the past 20 years. A true gentleman, he was respected by all. Bob and his good friend, Billy Curnutt, had a little side business, Billy Bob Construction. They proudly said they could work better than any 21-year old and that they did! Bob established the Annual Musicians Memorial Jam in 2007. He brought together many bands, singers and musicians to play in memory of all our great musicians. It is a wonderful event loved by many.

Bob serve in the United States Navy for four years right after high school. He was an avid gardener, creating an oasis in his back yard. There wasn’t much Bob couldn’t do. You could usually find him on his roof, on a tractor, fixing something or at a hardware store getting supplies with his ever so loved dog, Bella. Bob held morning coffee chats at Vic’s Place every morning and was loved by so many. Bob, a man of distinction, a wonderful friend, loyal, honest, a music man, smart, charming, funny, trustworthy, giving, hard worker, a gentleman, a community supporter, a family man, a Vic’s family man and so much more. Just one heck of a guy that we were all so lucky to have him in our lives. He touched each and every one of us with his sincere friendship and love. He graced us with his music and his 1st class reputation as a man of integrity.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry Keys, children, Robert Keys, Ron Keys and Rhonda Keys, step-children, Danny Smith, Billy Smith, Lanae Lampkin and Curtis Lampkin, Alana Schoonover, Sharlene Mann and Nichole Schoonover, grandchildren, Kayla, Codie, Bradley and Lindsy and numerous great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bobby on December 1, 2019 at 12:30pm at the Redwood Valley Grange, 8650 East Rd., Redwood Valley, CA. Please come and share your stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Savings Bank of Mendocino for Eagle Peak School’s Music Program in Bob Keys’ memory.